Principles to consider when developing an ethical code for forensic social work in South-Africa: a rapid review

Abstract

Worldwide, the social work profession is guided and regulated by various codes of professional conduct or ethics. With the development of specialized fields such as forensic social work, corresponding unique ethical codes were also developed. One example is the code of ethics for forensic social work developed in 1987 by the National Organization of Forensic Social Work (NOFSW) for use in social work practice in the United States of America. In South Africa, forensic social work only became a registered field of specialization during 2017, but a code of ethics to guide conduct in this field is yet to be developed. Currently there is a generic code of professional conduct applicable to all social workers in South Africa, but it lacks a uniquely defined ethical code directed at forensic social workers similar to that of the NOFSW. This study used a rapid review methodology to identify principles to consider when developing an ethical code/code of professional conduct for forensic social work in South Africa. The results and recommendations of this study can be used by policy makers and key role players in the field of forensic social work in South Africa to inform and guide such an ethical code.